The Journal's report also claimed Google is "forming tighter connections" with Motorola, despite assuring other hardware partners that its multi-billion dollar acquisition won't result in favoured nation status.

Shrewd move

The first Motorola device in the new era, the Moto X, was unveiled on Thursday and despite some rather subtle new touches, it wasn't a hugely obvious Google device.

Moto retained some exclusive software features such as its new camera interface, contactless voice commands and a new Active Notifications feature that don't yet feature in the core Android experience.

The device also maintains a familiar design language, and will not come fitted with the newest version of Android Jelly Bean, 4.3, confirming Google's paw-print isn't plastered all over the Moto X.

Although Google bought Moto largely because of its giant patent portfolio, it was also seen as a shrewd move to guard against Samsung's growing domination of the Android ecosystem.